Community News
Alderson resigns from Gillespie Council
Jim Alderson (center, archived photo)
Long-serving Gillespie city alderman Jim Alderson submitted his resignation at the conclusion of a contentious city council meeting Monday night during which city officials fielded complaints about the policy regarding tent camping on residential lots at Gillespie Lake.
In other action, the council approved a grant of up to $2,500 from the city’s Tax Increment Financing fund for landscaping at a proposed new business, accepted bids for replacing the folding door between two sides of the Gillespie Civic Center and to repair the roof at the Water Treatment Plant, narrowly approved an ordinance requiring roofing contractors working within the city limits to be properly licensed, and heard a complaint from business owner Dave Link regarding the purported pending sale of city owned property he also was interested in purchasing.
As the two-hour meeting was drawing to a close, Alderson read to the council his letter of resignation effective immediately.
“As a lifelong Gillespie resident, I appreciate the citizens electing me and the opportunity I have had to represent them,” Alderson wrote in his letter of resignation. “I wish the council and the mayor the best as they strive to make Gillespie a great place to live.”
[pullquote]“As a lifelong Gillespie resident, I appreciate the citizens electing me and the opportunity I have had to represent them,” Alderson wrote in his letter of resignation.[/pullquote]
“Well,” Mayor John Hicks responded, “we accept this with regrets because I know this is what you want to do. We thank you for your years of service.”
Alderson served nearly two decades as an alderman representing Ward 1. He was first elected in 2001 and served continuously as an alderman until this month, except for a two-year hiatus between 2009 and 2011. He was elected to the office of City Treasurer in 2009, the same year current Mayor John Hicks was first elected. He later stepped down from the Treasurer’s position, paving the way for the appointment of current Treasurer Dan Fisher. Alderson was last elected to a four-year term as alderman in 2015.
This marks the second time Alderson has submitted his resignation from the council. Late in 2016, he submitted a resignation to become effective Dec. 31, 2016. He did not attend the January 2017 meeting of the council at which time Mayor Hicks presented Alderson’s letter of resignation. In February, however, Alderson returned to his seat having apparently had a change of heart.
His resignation creates two vacancies on the council. One of the Ward 2 aldermanic seats, formerly held by appointee Colin Mussatto, has been vacant since 2017 after Mussatto opted against seeking election to the seat and no other candidate came forward to appear on the ballot.
LAKE LOT CONTROVERSY
Mayor Hicks directed the Lake Committee to draft a revised policy regarding lake lease-holders who want to allow visiting family members to temporarily tent camp or park RVs on their lots. Several lease-holders appeared during the meeting to complain, sometimes heatedly, about conflicting information they reportedly received when the attempted to host family members visiting them for a weekend or a few days.
“We’ll get a better, clearer set of rules written up,” Hicks promised.
Phillip Manka addresses the council regarding a lake lot issue.
Responding to John Crotty, who said he was appearing in support of other lease-holders who have encountered problems when they sought to allow grandchildren or other family members to tent camp on their lots, Lake Committee Chair Frank Barrett said there is no prohibition on having a tent on a residential lot or RV lot.
That prompted Phillip Manda, Alton, to recall an incident two years ago when Barrett allegedly told him that he could not have family members erect a tent on his lot. Manda said he leases a lot at 48 Bishop Lane near the camping area managed by the city. He said Barrett told him his grandchildren would have to rent a space in the camping area for their tent.
“They like to think they are camping next to Grandpa,” he said. “I was told I’d have to rent a space and have six- and seven-year-olds camping across the street from me.”
“I don’t remember that at all because we’ve told plenty of people that they can do that,” Barrett said. “I don’t know why we would pick on you.”
Terry Soots asked about allowing visitors to park a second camper on a camping lot and hook up to power “that I’m paying for.”
Under those circumstances, Barrett said, the camper would be prohibited because “you can’t have more than one camper on a lot.” But, he said, the city might be able to come up with a policy to allow a second camper for a fee of $10 per camper per night, which is the same fee charged for camper parking their units in the established campground.
Vickie Christian, who leases 50 Bishop Lane with her husband, Vic, said Barrett threatened to revoke their lease last week when their son and his family from Chicago parked a camper next to the Christians mobile home for a brief visit. Christian said Barrett told them the camper had to be removed. When the couple and Barrett argued, she told the council, Barrett threatened to revoke their lease. She said she and her husband had been good tenants for the city and they were extremely upset when threatened with eviction.
[pullquote] “We’ll get a better, clearer set of rules written up,” Hicks promised.[/pullquote]
“Nothing in the lease says we can’t have a camper on a house trailer lot,” she said. “Frank came up and said we would have to move the camper and that if we didn’t , he could revoke our lease. We’ve been good tenants, but when we’re threatened to have our lease pulled…”
Hicks assured the Christians that an alderman cannot revoke a lake lease. “That would have to be acted on by the council,” he said.
Hicks referred the issue to the Lake Committee, which is expected to meet in two weeks, to discuss the issue with an eye toward drafting a written policy. Manda and other tenants said they plan to attend that meeting to contribute to the discussion.
“This lake lot issue with the two trailers and such, it will be addressed at the committee meeting in two weeks or before,” Hicks said. He said the date and time of the meeting will be posted at City Hall and at the Lake. In addition, Lake Manager Gary Thornhill said he would contact those attending the meeting Monday night to let them know in advance when the committee meeting is scheduled.
In other action, on a motion by Barrett, the council voted to lease lake lot 402 to Denise Durr and a lot at 15 Carney Drive to James Randy Meyers. Both Durr and Meyers attended the meeting to see if their applications were approved.
Meyers told the council he was attending to see about leasing a lot.
“Are you sure you want to?” Treasurer Dan Fisher quipped, referring to the prior controversy.
In a related matter, the council generally agreed to suspend eviction proceedings against Bill Tintera to give him more time to bring his property into compliance with terms of the lease. Tintera appeared before the council and said his property fell into disrepair due to health and financial issues. He said he has started working at a better-paying job and feels he can meet his obligations.
A primary concern, Barrett said, was the fact that a waste water holding tank associated with the property did not pass inspection several months ago. Tintera said he had shut the unit off for financial considerations but that the unit is again in operation and has been in compliance for the past three months. He asked for additional time to finish cleaning up the property and to install new siding on the cabin.
Barrett said he would inspect the property and the holding tank to ensure the property is in compliance with terms of the lease.
TIF GRANT FOR LANDSCAPING
On a motion by Ald. Barrett, the council authorized a grant from Tax Increment Financing funds of up to $2,500 to assist Russell “Rusty” Fredericks with the cost of landscaping associated with a package liquor store he plans to open in the former Hardee’s restaurant building on Macoupin Street. Treasurer Fisher said landscaping costs are eligible for TIF fund grants.
Fredericks told the council he has cost estimates ranging from $5,700 to $6,570 but is awaiting bids from two other landscaping companies.
“I think the max you can approve is $5,000,” Fredericks said.
“It’s half of that,” Fisher said. “It’s matching and it’s a reimbursement,” meaning Fredericks will make the original outlay and then submit receipts for reimbursement.
“I’m going to try to make it look as good as I can with the $5,000,” Fredericks said.
Hicks told Fredericks he will approve his application for a Class A liquor license, which includes licensing for electronic gaming.
Later in the meeting, Hicks reported that the city’s recently amended liquor license ordinance may need additional adjustments regarding annual fees. Changes may be needed to make fees more equitable for liquor businesses that offer gaming, plus additional amusement devices such as juke boxes. Currently, such businesses pay separate licensing fees for each classification of devices.
ROOFING ORDINANCE
With two dissenting votes, the council approved a new ordinance requiring roofers working within the city limits to be properly licensed.
“This especially comes into play when you have a storm come through and you have a lot of roofing companies coming into town,” Hicks said, noting that the new ordinance will ensure that itinerant roofers will be licensed and insured to do the work. Local police will be responsible for enforcement. “If you have a complaint about a roofer, you call the police.”
The local licensing fee for a building permit is not to exceed $50. Failure to comply can result in a fine of up to $750.
“It’s a state law anyway, but we are reinforcing it,” said Ald. Dave Tucker, who moved to approve the ordinance.
Ald. Janice Weidner and Dianna Brickey voted against the measure but gave no reason for their vote.
ENTERPRISE ZONE
Following a brief presentation by Macoupin County Economic Development Coordinator Mary Beth Bellm, the council approved two ordinances to add 14.6 acres on Shipman Road south of Carlinville to the county Enterprise Zone. The added acreage will be the location of new headquarters for the MJM Electric Coooperative.
Inclusion in the Enterprise Zone exempts the company from paying local sales tax on building materials purchased from Macoupin County businesses and offers a temporary property tax abatement.
Mary Beth Bellm presenting the proposal to expand the Enterprise Zone.
Bellm also reported that authorization for the 20-year-old Enterprise Zone will expire in 2021. She reported that the county plans to apply this year for a renewal to give themselves a year-long cushion to reapply if the initial application is not approved.
“If we don’t get it this year, we can apply next year,” she said. “We don’t want to have a gap year.”
The application requires the submission of a significant volume of census and economic data, which is scored by the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity. Approval of Enterprise Zones is based on how well the applications score, she said. Last year DCEO approved only three applications statewide.
Bellm said extending the term of the Enterprise Zone is an important step, enabling the county and participating communities to offer incentives to attract new businesses to the county. The current Enterprise Zone is a partnership involving the county, City of Gillespie and City of Carlinville.
PROPERTY CONTROVERSY
Business owner Dave Link appeared before the council to complain about the purported sale of a parcel of city-owned property on Macoupin Street near his business. He said he appeared before the council in May and expressed an interest in buying the property but was told the parcel had been appraised for $10,000 and had been sold for 80 percent of the appraisal to Adam Tallman. Tallman reportedly plans to build a new insurance office building on the parcel.
Link said he verbally offered to buy the parcel for $12,340, but Hicks said his offer could not be considered a formal bid since it was verbal only.
Link told the council he returned for the council’s June meeting and was told by City Attorney Kevin Polo that the appraisal had not been completed and had not been sold.
“I’m still interested in buying it,” he said. “I think you ought to look at the bid I put in on it. I don’t think its right to take less money for it.”
Polo did not attend Monday night’s meeting and was not available to answer questions.
“We’ll table this until I can talk to the city attorney,” Hicks said. “This is holding up a building in Gillespie that could be generating tax dollars.”
Link alleged that his appearance before the council in May was omitted from the minutes of that meeting, and Hicks said he did not recall Link making a specific offer to buy the property.
“Seems like you have a lot of amnesia,” a disgruntled Link said as he left the room. “I’ll see you next month.”
EXECUTIVE SESSION
Following a 15-minute executive session, the council approved a 25-cent per hour wage increase for Street Department Foreman Dale Demkey, retroactive to the beginning of the contract year, Jan. 1.
Council members also discussed real estate during the executive session, presumably including a discussion about the city-owned parcel on Macoupin Street.
Later in the meeting, Hicks reported to the council that a potential buyer has expressed an interest in buying a parcel of city-owned property located behind the Superbowl Bowling Alley.
OTHER ACTION
In other action, the council:
- Voted to purchase a laser level for the city’s backhoe at a cost of $5,052.50 from Erb Equipment, Mitchell. The level, which attaches to the backhoe arm, will allow a single operator to monitor the depth at which the bucket is removing material.
- Accepted a contract with Five Star Commercial Roofing to make repairs to the Water Treatment Plant roof at a cost of $12,700.
- Agreed to pay $425 to Feeley’s Tree Service for removing a tree that fell on Western Avenue during a recent storm.
- Agreed to replace the folding doors between the two sides of the Civic Center at a cost of $6,842.29. The supplier is Nation Serve of Peoria.
- Agreed to sell an out-of-service mower formerly used at the Water Treatment Plant for $50.
- Gave the Public Works Committee power to act on the purchase of $6,000 to $7,000 worth of equipment and supplies for the Water Treatment Plant.
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Ye Olde Christmas is the theme of the Macoupin County Historical Society’s annual Christmas Show, which will be held Friday through Sunday, December 5–7, at the John C. Anderson Home and Museum, 920 West Breckenridge in Carlinville.
“The Christmas Show is one of the most magical times to visit the Anderson Home,” said MCHS Board Member and House Manager Brandy England. “Some families make it an annual Christmas tradition to visit the Anderson Home when it is decorated for Christmas. It’s a great opportunity to get into the Christmas spirit and pick up some ideas for decorating your own home for the holidays.”
MCHS member Kendra Mize, of Bunker Hill, who has coordinated the decorating effort for more than two decades, has again marshalled a small army of volunteers to decorate all 13 rooms of the home. Each room features a themed Christmas tree, along with mantle pieces, centerpieces, tabletop decor, garlands and florals, and other special touches.
The home will be open for self-guided tours from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday, December 5; from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Saturday, December 6; and from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday, December 7.
“We’re very excited to offer for the first time candlelight tours from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday and Saturday,” said Shawna Ashby, who serves as a co-manager with England. “Viewing the decorated home by candlelight promises to be a magical experience.”
The final candlelight tours on Friday and Saturday start at 7:30 p.m. Admission to the home is five dollars for adults and one dollar for children ages five to 12, with four-year-olds and younger admitted free of charge.
The Anderson Home Gift Shop will be open during tour hours, offering one-of-a-kind gift items and stocking stuffers. Santa Claus will be on hand in the downstairs parlor to greet children and listen to their Christmas wishes from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, December 6.
While the decorated home is the centerpiece of the Christmas Show, several other features on the Historical Society’s grounds will be open. The Red Barn will be open and serving hearty beef stew, chili, homemade pies, and warming holiday beverages such as wassail and hot chocolate on Friday and Saturday.
The General Store and Print Shop will be decorated and open to the public, with the Print Shop offering its popular handmade Christmas cards and other items produced in the shop; kids can print their own blank “Santa List” to keep track of their Christmas wishes.
“The General Store offers unique gift items, including some small antiques, for shoppers to peruse,” England noted.
Local blacksmiths will demonstrate their craft in the MCHS Blacksmith Shop located on the north side of the Historical Society Grounds, with wrought iron gift items, including stocking hooks and decorative pieces, available for purchase.
The Macoupin County Historical Society’s Christmas Show runs concurrently with the Carlinville Christmas Market and Downtown Christmas events, and a free trolley and shuttle buses include the Anderson Home as a regular stop during the festivals, enabling visitors to ride from the square or the Macoupin County Fairgrounds to the Historical Society grounds.
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Members of the Community Unit School District 7 Board of Education on Monday night voted to approve a property tax levy request totaling $3,920,295 for 2025 property taxes payable in 2026. Because of tax caps and other factors, however, the district expects to collect only an estimated $3,786,607 of the requested amount.
In addition to acting on the tax levy, the board also held a lengthy discussion regarding annual district “report cards” issued by the Illinois State Board of Education to assess school performance from last year, approved a high school band/choir performance trip to Chicago in March, and agreed to apply for a school maintenance grant of up to $50,000 in matching funds.
The new proposed levy exceeds last year’s tax extension of $3,599,569 by more than $320,726—an increase of about nine percent if the levy were to be approved at the county level. The more realistic anticipation of $3,786,607 exceeds last year’s extension by $187,038, or an increase of about three percent. A Property Tax Extension Limitation Law (PTELL), approved by Macoupin County voters in 1995, restricts increases in the levy to five percent or the federal Consumer Price Index (CPI), whichever is less. This year’s CPI is estimated at 2.9 percent.
The approved levy seeks $1,650,000 for the Education Fund while expecting to realize $1,653,831; $450,229 for Operations & Maintenance, while anticipating $438,041; $200,000 for Transportation while expecting $180,434; $35,000 for Working Cash while expecting $42,602; $174,700 for the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund while anticipating $117,788; $154,101 for Social Security while expecting $105, 248; $247,264 for Tort while anticipating $240,570; and $33,501 for Special Education while expecting $32,593. For Bond and Interest, which is not subject to PTELL, the district is levying $975,500 while anticipating the same amount.
Local property tax revenue accounts for about 20 percent of the district’s overall annual budget.
Because the levy request exceeds 105 percent of the previous year’s extension, a public hearing is required. That hearing is scheduled at the start of the board’s regular December meeting at 6 p.m., Monday, Dec. 15. In the meantime, the proposed levy is available for public inspection on the district’s website and in the district office.
Using a PowerPoint presentation, Owsley emphasized the levy request is essentially a wish list for what the district would like to raise through property taxes.
“The levy is the ‘Christmas list’ I talk about every year,” Owsley said. “If you don’t put it on the list, you’re not going to get it.”
Projecting what the district can legally seek under tax caps can be challenging because the district’s total equalized assessed valuation will not be confirmed until after Jan. 1 while state law requires the district to file its levy request before the end of December. For that reason, local school districts routinely file requests that exceed what they actually expect to receive in property tax revenue, and rely on the County Clerk to adjust the request to the maximum amount the district can receive.
“Because of tax caps, we have one shot to capture increases in the EAV and new construction,” Owsley said. “If we don’t do that, we lose it in perpetuity.”
To calculate the new levy, Owsley projected a 15.12 percent increase in the EAV—nearly double the previous year’s rate of increase. By overestimating the EAV growth, the district expects to capture the entire increase in assessed valuation when that number is finally determined.
“Even though we know the EAV will likely be around the historical average, we base our levy on a much higher amount so as not to lose revenue from new growth,” Owsley told the board. “We can do this without running the risk of overtaxing taxpayers because the district will receive no more than what we are entitled to by law.”
Owsley said relatively stable increases in EAV have resulted in a steadily declining tax rate. Since 2014 when the rate was $4.24 per $100 in EAV, the rate has fallen to $3.20 for 2024. In other words, the county can use a lower rate to generate the extension to which the district is entitled because the value of taxable property has increased.
“As long as the EAV goes up by more than the Consumer Price Index, our tax rates are going to go down,” Owsley noted.
SCHOOL DISTRICT REPORT CARDS
The board spent several minutes discussing recently released school report cards issued by the Illinois State Board of Education. Interested persons can view local report cards by visiting https://www.illinoisreportcard.com/.
All three attendance centers received a “Commendable” designation, meaning there are no student groups that are underperforming academically, and the high school graduation rate exceeds 67 percent. Last year, BenGil Elementary School achieved an “Exemplary” designation—the top designation a school can achieve.
Elementary Principal Angela Sandretto said administrators knew the school would not earn an Exemplary rating, even though students are state average in English/language arts, math and science. The Report Card designations are based on growth rather than academic performance. With students already exceeding state standards last year, the opportunity for growth was limited.
Assistant Principal Tara Cooper agreed, noting BenGil Elementary’s student performance is in the upper half of schools statewide that are meeting academic standards. “So, while we are not ‘Exemplary,’ we’re very happy with where we are.”
Supt. Owsley told the board the State Board of Education is working on revamping the assessment system because of the growth vs. performance issue. “That’s why they’re redoing all of this because they are penalizing schools for meeting goals,” he said.
For Gillespie Middle School, the report card shows students meeting or exceeding state averages in math and science but significantly lagging in English/language arts.
“ELA is our most concerning area,” Principal Patrick McGinthy told the board, “along with absenteeism.” The report card shows a chronic absenteeism rate of 25 percent, but Owsley and other administrators said the rate is exacerbated by the State Board of Education including nearly all absences whether or not they are excused.
Rosentreter noted the State Board will allow a student to be absent five days for illness without a doctor’s excuse. On the sixth day, however, the absence is unexcused unless the parent or guardian provides a doctor’s slip. Many parents, however, are reluctant to pay for a doctor’s visit for a child that is suffering from a minor illness.
McGinthy said Middle School teachers are attempting to address the deficiency in English/language arts by increasing writing exercises and requiring students to write in conjunction with other curriculum areas.
Rosentreter noted that the assessment standards for high schools differ from the standards for elementary and middle schools in that the State Board emphasizes graduation rates. For Gillespie, the graduation rate is an impressive 86 percent, though chronic absenteeism checks in at 31 percent.
“Math is definitely our shining star,” Rosentreter said, noting the school scored 17.8 points compared with the state average of 18. The school performed less well in the areas of English/language arts and science, scoring 16 points on ELA compared with the state score of 18 and 17.2 points compared with the state average of 19.
The report cards are based on results for the Illinois Assessment of Readiness (IAR) test for elementary and middle school students, and ACT scores for high school students.
Administrators said it’s difficult to motivate students to do well on state-mandated tests since the tests do not affect the student’s grade point average. To incentivize testing, Rosentreter said the high school is offering to let students skip final exams if they hit state standards on the mandated tests.
Owsley noted that the district report card documents the continuing decline in school enrollment—dropping from 1,325 seven years ago to 1,082 for the 2024-25 academic year.
“We don’t see that turning around anytime soon,” Owsley said. “It’s not just a Gillespie thing; it’s a trend for schools throughout Macoupin County.
BAND/CHOIR TRIP TO CHICAGO
Following a presentation by band/choir instructor Brad Taulbee, the board approved a high school band and choir performance tour to Chicago set for March 19-21. Taulbee said the tour company retained for the trip places emphasis on security and safety for traveling students. The company supplements hotel security with its own security personnel to monitor student rooms during the trip.
The tour includes workshop sessions at Vandercook College in downtown Chicago, and performances by the choir at the John Hancock Center and by the band at one of the city’s museums.
Taulbee said he is attempting to keep the cost affordable for participating students. Depending upon the number of students who ultimately go on the trip, he said he expects the cost to be about $739 per person. Additionally, he is lining up sponsors who can help with expenses for students who could not otherwise afford to participate.
“Security is my main concern,” said Board President Mark Hayes. “We just came back from there and seven people were shot in the area we were in.”
Taulbee said he expects to recruit seven to 10 chaperones and will ensure that the ratio of students to chaperones does not exceed 1:10.
SCHOOL MAINTENANCE GRANT
The board concurred with Supt. Owsley’s recommendation to again apply for a state School Maintenance grant of up to $50,000. The grant is a “matching” grant requiring the district to match grant funds dollar for dollar. The district has successfully applied for the grant for the past several years.
If the application is successful, Owsley said the funds will likely be used to remove asbestos-containing floor tiles in the choir room and elsewhere in the Middle School.
PERSONNEL
Following an executive session of about 40 minutes to discuss personnel and other issues, the board voted unanimously to accept the resignation of Tim Wargo as an assistant high school baseball coach and post the position as vacant, and voted to appoint Wargo as the head high school baseball coach for the coming season.
In separate actions, the board approved maternity leaves for Alexis Lupkey, district paraprofessional, and Gear-Up Coordinator Jordan Bartok. Lupkey’s leave is tentatively scheduled from Dec. 8 through March 18. Bartok’s leave is expected from Dec. 12 through Jan.6.
Board members voted unanimously to hire Christopher Whaley as a substitute bus driver, pending a routine background check and documentation of certification.
The board also voted unanimously to terminate Makayla Huff as a three-hour cook and post the position as vacant.
On a motion by Bill Carter, seconded by Weye Schmidt, the board voted unanimously to rehire fall coaches as follows: Jordan Bartok as head high school girls volleyball coach with Shelsie Price, as an assistant coach; Cory Bonstead as head football coach with Nate Henrichs, Jarrod Herron, Korben Clark, Alex Jasper, J.O. Kelly, Billy Gill and Florian Seferi as assistant and volunteer assistant coaches; Jay Weber as head coach for the parent-funded high school cross-country program with Jack Burns as a volunteer assistant coach; Jake Kellebrew as head coach for the parent-funded high school golf program, with Michael Otten as a volunteer assistant coach; Tim Wargo as head middle school baseball coach with Trae Wargo as assistant coach; Michelle Smith as head middle school softball coach with Jim Matesa, Joe Kelly and Melissa Heigert as assistant coaches; and Liz Thackery as head coach for the parent-funded middle school cross-country program with Laura Peterson as a volunteer assistant coach.
DISTRICT FOCUS
During a District Focus segment, Supt. Owsley introduced newly hired School Resource Officer Jacob Linhart, and High School Principal provided a report with photos of a recent school-wide Veterans Day observance.
Linhart, who has served five years as a police officer on the Gillespie Police Department, replaces Wade Hendricks, who recently retired after serving three years as the CUSD 7 School Resource Officer.
Linhart said it is a “great privilege” to serve as a Resource Officer, protecting students and staff. “I’m honored that you guys are allowing me to do it,” he said.
High School Principal Rosentreter said the school served breakfast to about 200 veterans and their families Tuesday morning, Nov. 11. Later, the veterans were joined by nearly 700 high school and middle school students for a recognition ceremony in the high school gymnasium.
Since the event coincided with the 25th anniversary of CUSD 7’s Wall of Honor program, the annual event did double duty as an induction ceremony for five are individuals, all of whom happened to be U.S. Military veterans.
The inductees included the late Sergeant Major John Marion Malnar, Command Sergeant Major John “Jack” Burns, Colonel Mark Daley, Lieutenant Colonel William P. Falke and Captain Robert Leone. Rosentreter said Daley and Leone traveled with their families from Colorado and Texas, respectively, to attend the ceremonies.
Burns, a retired CUSD 7 teacher, later visited BenGil Elementary School to present a program and teach students how to properly fold an American flag.
Rosentreter recognized the City of Gillespie for a donation of $1,000 to help purchase food for the veterans.
Born in Benld and a resident of Sawyerville, “Big John” Malnar earned a Silver Star during the Korean Conflict and a Gold Star, awarded posthumously after he was killed in action in 1968 in Vietnam. A Marine training center at Camp Geiger in North Carolina is named in his honor.
Though not a Wall of Honor inductee, Jacob Miller, a 100-year-old World War II veteran and recipient of two Purple Hearts, was recognized with a standing ovation.
The annual Veterans Day breakfast and ceremony provides students with an opportunity to meet and recognize local veterans as potential role models for their own futures.
Owsley said the event is a major event on the district’s calendar which grew out of a simple flagpole ceremony initiated 25 years ago.
CEJA GRANT FUNDS
Board members briefly discussed plans for about $74,000 in anticipated Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA) grant funds. The federal program is intended to compensate communities that have experienced revenue loss as a result of coal mine closures.
Owsley said the district committed about $86,000 in last year’s CEJA grant funds to the City of Gillespie to help pay for improvements to Plum Street, which is heavily used by district school buses. He has not transferred those funds, however, pending the start of the project.
Owsley said he was seeking the board’s input on how the money should be used.
“We could continue to partner with the city on Plum Street,” he said. “But there are plenty of project areas within the school.” The money could be used, for example, for continuing asbestos abatement. He identified other upcoming needs, including a new roof for the high school/middle school and an HVAC project.
President Hayes pointed out the school district paid for improvements to Kelly Street when BenGil Elementary was built and subsidized a project to reconfigure drainage on Broadway Street, in addition to the dollars committed for Plum Street.
“The school district is not in the business of building roads,” he said. “I think we’ve been more than generous with the city.”
Board member Peyton Bernot agreed the money should be committed for use by the school district.
TRIPLE I CONFERENCE
Several board members who attended a conference for board members and administrators Friday-Saturday, Nov. 21-23, in Chicago, commented briefly about their take-aways from conference sessions. Popularly known as the Triple I Conference, the convention is sponsored by the Illinois Association of School Boards, Illinois Association of School Administrators and the Illinois Association of School Business Officials.
Owsley said more than 700 Illinois school districts were represented, making the Triple I the largest gathering of education professionals in North America.
Bernot briefly reported on a session he attended regarding upcoming legislation and financial outlooks for school districts. He described the session as “much less optimistic” than sessions he’s attended in the past.
Owsley was among the convention presenters, discussing social-emotional learning. He commented that several districts attending reported efforts to involve students in school administrators. Some districts, he said, appointed a non-voting student representative to the school board to take part in discussions directly affecting students.
“When you think about it, we hear from faculty members and we hear from parents,” Hayes commented. “The people we don’t hear from are the most important part of what we do.”
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The Holiday Sparkle Committee of Gillespie is preparing for the 4th Annual Holiday Sparkle Lighted Parade and Community Tree Lighting, set for Sunday, November 30, at 6:00 p.m. in downtown Gillespie. This beloved community tradition invites residents and visitors to kick off the holiday season with lights, music, and festive cheer.
Food trucks will line the parade route starting at 4:00 p.m., offering a variety of tasty options for families to enjoy before and during the celebration. The event will culminate in the illuminated parade and the ceremonial lighting of the community tree, signaling the official start of the season’s celebrations.
A highlight of this year’s festivities will be a special performance by Gillespie area students in grades 3 through 5. The group will join together to sing Christmas carols, lending their voices to the town’s joyous welcome to the holidays.
Parade participants are invited to bring extra sparkle to the evening—whether by entering a parade float, walking in the parade, or simply attending to enjoy the atmosphere. Participation helps make the event truly magical for the entire community. The only requirement for the parade is all entries have to incorporate holiday lighting.
To join the parade lineup, interested participants can sign up at https://forms.gle/L7Q4tEkgjj8Lt5E47. The Holiday Sparkle Committee expresses gratitude for the ongoing support of residents, businesses, and volunteers who help bring this festive occasion to life each year.
The second part of the holiday festivities will take place on Saturday, December 13 when the Sparkle will sponsor the vendor fair and food trucks in downtown Gillespie including a visit from Santa. Vendors will be located in the Gillespie Civic Center, Zion Lutheran Church, and Emma G’s Upscale Boutique while local businesses and eateries will also be open. An egg nog jog benefitting Gillespie Cross Country will also be held on December 13 and interested participants can join here.
The Holiday Sparkle Committee invites everyone to mark their calendars and join in the celebration. For more information, please contact the committee by email at gillespieholidaysparkle@gmail.com or visit Gillespie Holiday Sparkle on Facebook.
